Former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. is taking initial steps toward a possible return to Congress. On Monday, Jackson announced the formation of an exploratory committee as he considers a bid for Illinois’ 2nd Congressional District seat in the 2026 election. The move follows a push by former U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush and other local leaders who have encouraged him to re-enter public office. “As part of the Jesse Jackson Jr. for Congress 2026 Exploratory effort, it is my intention to secure a place on the ballot by authorizing the circulation and collection of 10,000 signatures for nominating petitions, commencing on August 5, and to register...

While elite universities and accelerator programs continue to overlook grassroots founders, three local entrepreneurs have stepped up to create what mainstream institutions never prioritized: culturally grounded, community-owned business schools designed specifically for Detroiters. Racheal Allen, Ebony Cochran, and Jessie Hayes are not in the business of waiting on permission to educate, train, and empower. They’re building infrastructure—on their terms—for the entrepreneurs this city has long ignored. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Black women are the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs in the country. In Detroit, they lead one of the highest concentrations of Black women–owned businesses in the U.S., yet most operate without formal business training...

Democratic Oklahoma State Rep. Monroe Nichols made history in the city of Tulsa, when in November of 2024, he won the Tulsa Mayoral election, besting his challenger, Tulsa County Commissioner Karen Keith and replacing the sitting mayor, GT Bynum. When he accepted the victory, Nichols delivered his acceptance in front of images of Black Wall Street, a thriving district in Tulsa that was destroyed by a white mob in 1921. The Democratic lawmaker prioritized adding more affordable housing and ending homelessness during his mayoral campaign. Nichols said he wants to work closely with tribal partners when it comes to public safety to entrepreneurship. Now the respected visionary...

JACKIE HILL IS THE NEW PRESIDENT OF THE NAACP PITTSBURGH BRANCH. The NAACP Pittsburgh Branch has a new presi­dent. And it's a familiar face. The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned ex­clusively that Jackie Hill, born and raised in Homewood, where she still resides today, was elected NAACP Pitts­burgh Branch president in a landslide, Wednesday, July 9. Out of 45 votes cast, Hill won 38, or 84 percent of the votes, over William Anderson. TERRI MINOR SPENCER Terri Minor Spencer was elected first vice presi­dent, and Brenda Tate was elected second vice president. Those were the only three elections on July 9. Hill has a long histo­ry...